Mascara Applicator With Reinforcing Sails For Spike Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mascara applicators fail to efficiently load and distribute product onto eyelashes and eyebrows, leading to frequent reloading and inadequate product application.
Innovation Solution
A mascara applicator with a moulded core and spikes, reinforced by sails that extend parallel to the core, creating zones that form reservoirs for product accumulation, allowing for abundant initial loading and prolonged application without frequent reloading.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the applicator uses simple spikes without reinforcing sails, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the spikes bend excessively during extraction causing product wiping and insufficient product loading
Solution Approach 1:
The applicator member is segmented into functional zones: spikes for product pickup and application, and reinforcing sails for structural support. This segmentation allows each element to perform its specific function optimally without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The applicator member combines spikes and reinforcing sails into a composite structure where the sails provide rigidity support to the flexible spikes, creating a hybrid structure that exhibits both flexibility and strength properties.
2Quantity of substance
If the applicator loads abundant product on eyelashes, then product application is satisfactory, but the applicator requires frequent reloading
Solution Approach 1:
The reinforcing sails pre-reinforce the spike bases before product application, preventing bending during extraction. This preliminary structural preparation ensures that the applicator maintains its product-loading capability throughout multiple applications without frequent reloading.
Solution Approach 2:
The applicator maintains continuous product availability through the reinforcing sails that prevent product wiping during extraction. This allows the applicator to continuously load and apply product without interruption or frequent reloading cycles.
3Ease of operation
If the spikes are made flexible for easy eyelash separation, then application precision is improved, but the spikes bend during extraction causing product loss
Solution Approach 1:
The reinforcing sails act as a counterbalancing structural element that compensates for the flexibility of the spikes. While the spikes bend for eyelash separation, the rigid sails provide counter-support that prevents excessive bending and product wiping during extraction.
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the applicator have different mechanical properties: the spikes are flexible for eyelash separation while the reinforcing sails are rigid for structural support. This local differentiation of material properties allows each component to optimize its specific function.
Data Source
Figure 1~4
AI summary
Applicator (2) for applying a cosmetic, makeup or care product (P) to the eyelashes and/or eyebrows, having a moulded applicator member (8) having: a core (10) that extends along a longitudinal axis (X), spikes (18) carried by the core (10), and - reinforcing sails (1.3) for the spikes (18), which are connected by their base to the core (10). extend parallel to the longitudinal axis (X) of the core (10) and are disposed in a plurality of longitudinal rows (17, 19, 20), at least one first longitudinal row (17) being offset axially with respect to a second longitudinal row (19).